Medical control apparatus, control method, program, and medical control system

ABSTRACT

Provided is a medical control apparatus including: a processing unit configured to cause one or both of a first display region in which an object relating to an input source of an image is to be displayed and a second display region in which an object relating to an output destination of an image is to be displayed and a third display region in which an object for controlling the input source or the output destination is to be displayed, to be displayed in one screen.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a medical control apparatus, a controlmethod, a program, and a medical control system.

BACKGROUND ART

A technology relating to a medical control system in which a pluralityof apparatuses are connected through communication has been developed.Examples of the technology relating to the medical control system caninclude, for example, a technology disclosed in the following PatentLiterature 1 and a technology disclosed in the following PatentLiterature 2.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2001-000449A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2006-000536A

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

A medical control system includes, for example, a medical controlapparatus such as an operating room (OR) controller for controllinginput/output of an image (a still image or a moving image). Here, atypical existing medical control apparatus causes, for example, an“apparatus which becomes a signal source of an image signal, such asmedical equipment having an imaging function such as an endoscope, andan imaging device provided in an operating room” constituting themedical control system and an “apparatus which becomes an outputdestination of an image, such as display device which can display animage” constituting the medical control system, to be displayed in onescreen. The existing medical control apparatus then, for example,switches between input and output of an image on the basis ofmanipulation by a user of the medical control system, such as ahealthcare professional (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “user”).In the following description, there is a case where the apparatus whichbecomes a signal source of an image signal will be referred to as an“input source”. Further, in the following description, there is a casewhere the apparatus which becomes an output destination of an image willbe referred to as an “output destination”.

As described above, by the medical control apparatus causing the inputsource and the output destination constituting the medical controlsystem to be displayed in one screen, browsability of the input sourceand the output destination is improved. Therefore, as described above,by the medical control apparatus causing the input source and the outputdestination constituting the medical control system to be displayed inone screen, there is a possibility that visibility of the input sourceand the output destination may be improved.

However, in the case where the existing medical control apparatus asdescribed above is used, control associated with input/output of animage and control of an apparatus (the input source or the outputdestination) constituting the medical control system cannot be performedin one screen.

The present disclosure proposes new and improved medical controlapparatus, control method, program and medical control system which canimprove operability of the user.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a medical controlapparatus including: a processing unit configured to cause one or bothof a first display region in which an object relating to an input sourceof an image is to be displayed and a second display region in which anobject relating to an output destination of an image is to be displayedand a third display region in which an object for controlling the inputsource or the output destination is to be displayed, to be displayed inone screen.

Further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided acontrol method to be executed by a medical control apparatus, the methodincluding: a step of causing one or both of a first display region inwhich an object relating to an input source of an image is to bedisplayed and a second display region in which an object relating to anoutput destination of an image is to be displayed, and a third displayregion in which an object for controlling the input source or the outputdestination is to be displayed, to be displayed in one screen.

Further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided aprogram for causing a computer to implement a function of causing one orboth of a first display region in which an object relating to an inputsource of an image is to be displayed and a second display region inwhich an object relating to an output destination of an image is to bedisplayed, and a third display region in which an object for controllingthe input source or the output destination is to be displayed, to bedisplayed in one screen.

Further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided amedical control system including: an apparatus which serves as an inputsource of an image; an apparatus which serves as an output destinationof an image; and a medical control apparatus, in which the medicalcontrol apparatus includes a processing unit configured to cause one orboth of a first display region in which an object relating to the inputsource is to be displayed and a second display region in which an objectrelating to the output destination is to be displayed, and a thirddisplay region in which an object for controlling the input source orthe output destination is to be displayed, to be displayed in onescreen.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improveoperability of the user.

Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limitative.With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any oneof the effects described in this specification or other effects that maybe grasped from this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a medicalcontrol system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display atthe medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayat the medical control system to which a control method according to thepresent embodiment is applied.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa medical control apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of the medical control apparatus according to the presentembodiment.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Further, in the following description, description will be provided inthe following order.

-   1. Control method according to present embodiment-   2. Medical control apparatus according to present embodiment-   3. Program according to present embodiment

Control Method According to Present Embodiment

First, a control method according to the present embodiment will bedescribed. In the following description, an example will be describedwhere a medical control apparatus according to the present embodimentperforms processing associated with the control method according to thepresent embodiment.

[1] Processing Associated with Control Method According to PresentEmbodiment

As described above, in the case where an existing medical controlapparatus is used, control associated with input/output of an image andcontrol of an apparatus (an input source or an output destination)constituting the medical control system cannot be performed in onescreen.

Therefore, the medical control apparatus according to the presentembodiment enables control associated with input/output of an image andcontrol of an input source or an output destination constituting themedical control system to be performed in one screen.

Here, examples of the input source according to the present embodimentcan include, for example, an arbitrary apparatus which can become asignal source of an image signal, such as medical equipment having animaging function such as an endoscope, an imaging device provided in anoperating room, and an apparatus having a function of reproducing imagedata stored in a recording medium.

Further, examples of the output destination according to the presentembodiment can include, for example, an arbitrary apparatus which canbecome an output destination of an image, such as a display device whichcan display an image and an apparatus having a function of recording animage in a recording medium.

More specifically, the medical control apparatus according to thepresent embodiment causes a plurality of display regions to be displayedin one screen, for example, as described in display examples of thefollowing (1) to (3) (control processing).

Examples of the display screen according to the present embodiment inwhich a plurality of display regions are to be displayed can include,for example, a display screen of a display device provided at anarbitrary apparatus (or a display device connected to an arbitraryapparatus), such as a tablet type apparatus, a computer such as apersonal computer (PC) and a communication apparatus such as asmartphone. Further, the display device constituting the display screenaccording to the present embodiment may be a device such as, forexample, a touch panel, which can perform display and allows usermanipulation.

The medical control apparatus according to the present embodiment causesa plurality of display regions to be displayed in one screen by, forexample, causing control data including a command for causing display tobe performed and display data to be transmitted to an apparatus at whichthe plurality of display regions are to be displayed in one screen(hereinafter, there is a case where the apparatus will be referred to asa “display target apparatus”). The medical control apparatus accordingto the present embodiment, for example, causes a communication unit(which will be described later) provided at the medical controlapparatus according to the present embodiment or an externalcommunication device connected to the medical control apparatusaccording to the present embodiment to transmit the control data.

By performing the control processing as described above, the medicalcontrol apparatus according to the present embodiment enables controlassociated with input/output of an image and control of an input sourceor an output destination constituting the medical control system to beperformed in one screen.

Here, examples of the display regions to be displayed in one screenaccording to the present embodiment can include, for example, thefollowing first display region, second display region and third displayregion.

-   -   First display region: a display region in which objects relating        to an input source of an image are to be displayed    -   Second display region: a display region in which objects        relating to an output destination of an image are to be        displayed    -   Third display region: a display region in which objects for        controlling an input source or an output destination are to be        displayed

Further, examples of the object according to the present embodiment caninclude an arbitrary display object which can be displayed on thedisplay screen, such as, for example, a “thumbnail image correspondingto an image output from an input source or an image input to an outputdestination”, a “character string” and an “operation object such as abutton and a slide bar, which can be manipulated by a user”. Specificexamples of the object according to the present embodiment will bedescribed in an example of display in the medical control system whichwill be described later.

Here, examples of the thumbnail image according to the presentembodiment can include a still image and a moving image. Further, thethumbnail image according to the present embodiment may be regularlyupdated, for example, every 1 [FPS] or may be irregularly updated. Bythe thumbnail image being updated, an image most recently output fromthe input source or an image most recently input to the outputdestination can be reflected in the thumbnail image.

(1) First Example of Display in One Screen through Control Processing

The medical control apparatus according to the present embodiment causesthe first display region, the second display region and the thirddisplay region to be displayed in one screen.

In the case where display according to a first example is performed, themedical control apparatus according to the present embodiment causes thefollowing objects to be respectively displayed in the first displayregion, the second display region and the third display region.

-   -   First display region: objects relating to the input source    -   Second display region: objects relating to the output        destination at which an image of the input source can be        displayed    -   Third display region: objects for controlling the input source

Specific examples of the display according to the first example caninclude, for example, a Sources screen on a device control screen whichwill be described later. Note that it goes without saying that the“specific examples of the display according to the first example” and“examples of objects to be respectively displayed in the first displayregion, the second display region and the third display region” are notlimited to the above-described examples.

(2) Second Example of Display in One Screen through Control Processing

The medical control apparatus according to the present embodiment causesthe first display region and the third display region to be displayed inone screen.

In the case where display according to the second example is performed,the medical control apparatus according to the present embodimentcauses, for example, the following objects to be respectively displayedin the first display region and the third display region.

-   -   First display region: objects relating to the input source which        can cause the output destination to perform display or objects        relating to the input source which can cause the output        destination to record an image    -   Third display region: objects for controlling the output        destination

Specific examples of the display according to the second example caninclude, for example, a Monitors screen in the device control screenwhich will be described later and a Recorders screen in the devicecontrol screen which will be described later. Note that, it goes withoutsaying that the “specific examples of the display according to thesecond example” and the “examples of the objects to be respectivelydisplayed in the first display region and the third display region” arenot limited to the above-described examples.

(3) Third Example of Display in One Screen through Control Processing

The medical control apparatus according to the present embodiment causesthe second display region and the third display region to be displayedin one screen.

In the case where display according to the third example is performed,the medical control apparatus according to the present embodimentcauses, for example, the following objects to be respectively displayedin the second display region and the third display region.

-   -   Second display region: objects relating to the output        destination at which an image of the input source can be        displayed    -   Third display region: objects for controlling the input source.

Specific examples of the display according to the third example caninclude, for example, a Recorders screen in the device control screenwhich will be described later. Note that, it goes without saying thatthe “specific examples of the display according to the third example”and the “examples of the objects to be respectively displayed in thesecond display region and the third display region” are not limited tothe above-described examples.

The medical control apparatus according to the present embodiment causesone or both of the first display region and the second display region,and the third display region to be displayed in one screen as describedin, for example, the first example of the display described in the above(1) to the third example of the display described in the above (3) byperforming the control processing associated with the control methodaccording to the present embodiment.

Here, the first display region is a display region in which objectsrelating to the input source are to be displayed, and the second displayregion is a display region in which objects relating to the outputdestination are to be displayed. Further, the third display region is adisplay region in which objects for controlling the input source or theoutput destination are to be displayed.

Therefore, by the control processing being performed, it is possible tocause, for example, “control associated with input/output of an imagesignal to/from the input source or the output destination existinginside or outside an operating room and control of the input source orthe output destination to be performed in one screen”. Further, as aresult of the “control associated with input/output of an image signalto/from the input source or the output destination existing inside oroutside an operating room and control of the input source or the outputdestination being able to be performed in one screen”, the user can moreefficiently perform control associated with input/output an image signalto/from the input source or the output destination and control the inputsource or the output destination.

Therefore, by the medical control apparatus according to the presentembodiment performing the control processing associated with the controlmethod according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realizeimprovement of operability of the user.

Note that the above-described control processing is processing dividedfrom the processing associated with the control method according to thepresent embodiment for convenience sake. Therefore, in the processingassociated with the control method according to the present embodiment,the above-described control processing can be regarded as, for example,two or more types of processing (depending on an arbitrary way ofdividing the processing).

[2] Example of Display in Medical Control System to which Control MethodAccording to Present Embodiment is Applied

The control processing associated with the control method according tothe present embodiment will be described next using an example ofdisplay in the medical control system to which the control methodaccording to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the medicalcontrol system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system in which an image signal whichis made to conform to IP is transmitted among apparatuses via aninternet protocol converter (IPC), a switcher, an encoder, a transcoder,or the like. In FIG. 1, for example, a “10G IP Switcher”, a “DVISwitcher” and a “1G IP Switcher” correspond to the switchers. Further,in FIG. 1, for example, an “Encoder” corresponds to the encoder, and,for example, a “Transcoder” corresponds to the transcoder. Note that, inthe medical control system according to the present embodiment, it isalso possible to employ a configuration where an image signal which ismade to conform to IP is not transmitted.

Further, FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the medical control system1000 includes a network N1 inside the operating room and a network N2outside the operating room. Note that the medical control system 1000may include, for example, only the network N1 inside the operating room.

The medical control system 1000 includes, for example, a medical controlapparatus 100, input source apparatuses 200A, 200B, . . . , outputdestination apparatuses 300A, 300B, . . . , apparatuses 400A, 400B, . .. , having functions of one or both of the input source and the outputdestination, a display target apparatus 500 at which various kinds ofcontrol screens are to be displayed, and other apparatuses 600A, 600B, .. . , controlled by the medical control apparatus 100. The respectiveapparatuses are connected, for example, through wired communication ofan arbitrary communication scheme or through wireless communication ofan arbitrary communication scheme via an apparatus such as the IPC andthe switcher.

Examples of the input source apparatuses 200A, 200B, . . . , can includemedical equipment having an imaging function such as an endoscope (forexample, the input source apparatus 200A) and an imaging device providedin the operating room, or the like, (for example, the input sourceapparatus 200B), for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In the followingdescription, there is a case where the input source apparatuses 200A,200B, . . . , will be collectively referred to as an “input sourceapparatus 200” or one of the input source apparatuses 200A, 200B, . . ., will be referred to as the “input source apparatus 200”.

Examples of the output destination apparatuses 300A, 300B, . . . , caninclude, for example, a display device which can display an image.Examples of the display device can include, for example, a monitorprovided in the operating room (for example, the output destinationapparatuses 300A to 300F), an image projection apparatus such as aprojector (for example, the output destination apparatus 300G), amonitor provided at the PC, or the like, (for example, the outputdestination apparatuses 300H to 300K) as illustrated in FIG. 1. In thefollowing description, there is a case where the output destinationapparatuses 300A, 300B, . . . , will be collectively referred to as an“output destination apparatus 300” or one of the output destinationapparatuses 300A, 300B, . . . , will be referred to as the “outputdestination apparatus 300”.

Examples of the apparatuses 400A, 400B, . . . , having functions of oneor both of the input source and the output destination can include anapparatus having functions of one or both of a function of recording animage in a recording medium and a function of reproducing image datastored in the recording medium. Specifically, examples of theapparatuses 400A, 400B, . . . , having functions of one or both of theinput source and the output destination can include a recorder (forexample, the apparatuses 400A and 400B) and a server (for example, theapparatus 400C), for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In the followingdescription, there is a case where the apparatuses 400A, 400B, . . . ,having functions of one or both of the input source and the outputdestination will be collectively referred to as an “apparatus 400” orone of the apparatuses 400A, 400B, . . . , having functions of one orboth of the input source and the output destination will be referred toas the “apparatus 400”. Further, in the following description, anexample where the apparatus 400 is a recorder will be mainly described.

Examples of the display target apparatus 500 can include, for example,an arbitrary apparatus such as a tablet type apparatus, a computer suchas a PC, a communication apparatus such as a smartphone. In FIG. 1, atablet type apparatus including a touch panel is illustrated as thedisplay target apparatus 500. Note that the medical control system 1000may include a plurality of display target apparatuses. Further, in themedical control system 1000, for example, one of the medical controlapparatus 100, the input source apparatus 200, the output destinationapparatus 300 and the apparatus 400 may play a role of the displaytarget apparatus.

Examples of other apparatuses 600A, 600B, . . . , can include a lightingapparatus at an operating table (other apparatus 600A), the operatingtable (other apparatus 600B), or the like, for example, as illustratedin FIG. 1. Note that the medical control apparatus 100 does not have tohave a function of controlling the other apparatuses 600A, 600B, . . . .

(I) A device selection screen and (II) a device control screen will bedescribed below as an example of display to be displayed on a displayscreen of the display target apparatus 500 in the medical control system1000 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

(I) Device Selection Screen

FIG. 2 to FIG. 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example ofdisplay in the medical control system 1000 to which the control methodaccording to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 to FIG. 9 eachillustrates the whole device selection screen or part of the deviceselection screen to be displayed on the display screen of the displaytarget apparatus 500. The device selection screen will be describedbelow while referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9 as appropriate.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the device selection screen. Referringto FIG. 2, the device selection screen includes, for example, a devicecategory selection tab (O1 illustrated in FIG. 2), a preset button (O2illustrated in FIG. 2), a device selection button (O3 illustrated inFIG. 2), location name display (O4 illustrated in FIG. 2), an Intra-OPswitch (O5 illustrated in FIG. 2), and a context menu button (O6illustrated in FIG. 2).

The device category selection tab (O1 illustrated in FIG. 2) is a tabfor switching a category of a device which can be displayed on a displayscreen. In FIG. 2, as the category of the device which can be displayedon the display screen, “Sources” corresponding to the input sourceapparatus 200, “Monitors” corresponding to the output destinationapparatus 300 and “Recorders” corresponding to the apparatus 400 areillustrated. Here, FIG. 2 illustrates a case where “Sources” is selectedin the device category selection tab.

The preset button (O2 illustrated in FIG. 2) is a button for making thescreen transition to a screen set in advance. Here, the preset buttonmay be highlighted, for example, by being colored, by being blinked, orthe like.

The device selection button (O3 illustrated in FIG. 2) is a button forselecting a device, and by the device selection button beingmanipulated, the screen transitions to the device control screen whichwill be described later. Because, in FIG. 2, “Sources” is selected inthe device category selection tab, by the device selection button beingmanipulated, the screen transitions to a Sources screen in the devicecontrol screen which will be described later.

Here, in the case where there are too many device selection buttons tobe displayed within one screen when each of the device selection buttonsis displayed at a size illustrated in FIG. 2, a scroll bar is displayed,for example, as indicated with O in FIG. 3.

Further, in the case where there are too many device selection buttonsto be displayed within one screen when each of the device selectionbuttons is displayed at a size illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the deviceselection buttons may be displayed at a smaller size, for example, asillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a configuration of the device selectionbutton, and illustrates an example of the device selection buttondisplayed in the device selection screen illustrated in FIG. 2.

The device selection button displayed in the device selection screenillustrated in FIG. 2 includes, for example, a thumbnail image (O1illustrated in FIG. 5), an icon (O2 illustrated in FIG. 5), device namedisplay (O3 illustrated in FIG. 5) and status display (O4 illustrated inFIG. 5) as illustrated in A of FIG. 5.

The thumbnail image (O1 illustrated in FIG. 5) illustrated in FIG. 5indicates an image output by a device which is an input source.

Here, while examples of the thumbnail image can include a still image,the thumbnail image may be a moving image. As described above, thethumbnail image according to the present embodiment can be regularly orirregularly updated. In the case where the thumbnail image is updated,it is possible to reflect an image most recently output from the inputsource in the thumbnail image.

Further, for example, in the case where a parameter of a device which isan input source is adjusted, or the like, in the device control screenwhich will be described later, the image output from the input sourceafter the parameter is adjusted is reflected in the thumbnail image. Asan example, in the case where a parameter associated with zoom of thedevice which is the input source is adjusted in the device controlscreen which will be described later, the zoomed image is reflected inthe thumbnail image.

Further, in the case where the thumbnail image cannot be acquired,display as illustrated in B of FIG. 5 or C of FIG. 5 is performed inaccordance with the following states.

-   -   In the case where a thumbnail has not been acquired yet: B in        FIG. 5    -   In the case where there is no input yet: C in FIG. 5

The icon (O2 illustrated in FIG. 5) is an icon indicating a type of thedevice.

The device name display (O3 in FIG. 5) indicates name of the device. Aregion of the device name display (O3 in FIG. 5) is set so as to stretchover the width of the device selection button so that, for example, longdevice name can be displayed.

The status display (O4 illustrated in FIG. 5) indicates a state of thedevice with simple display like an icon. The status display is displayedat four corners, for example, as illustrated in A in FIG. 5. Further, inthe case where the status display is displayed at four corners, up tofour types of status display can be displayed.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the configuration of the deviceselection button and illustrates an example of a configuration of thedevice selection button displayed in the device selection screenillustrated in FIG. 4.

The device selection button displayed in the device selection screenillustrated in FIG. 4 includes a thumbnail image (O1 illustrated in FIG.6), an icon (O2 illustrated in FIG. 6), device name display (O3illustrated in FIG. 6) and status display (O4 illustrated in FIG. 6),for example, in a similar manner to the device selection buttonillustrated in FIG. 4, as illustrated in A of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, an example of the device selection screenwill be described. The location name display (O4 illustrated in FIG. 2)indicates a location such as operating room name which is currentlybeing selected.

The Intra-OP switch (O5 illustrated in FIG. 2) is a switch for switchingbetween a state where an operation is being performed and a state wherean operation is not being performed. Here, in the case where theIntra-OP switch is put into an ON state which indicates that anoperation is being performed, user manipulation set in advance andediting of various kinds of data are restricted in the device selectionscreen and the device control screen which will be described later.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a state of the Intra-OP switch. In thecase where the Intra-OP switch is put into an OFF state which does notindicate that an operation is being performed, the Intra-OP switch is,for example, put into a state as illustrated in A of FIG. 7. Further, inthe case where the Intra-OP switch is put into an ON state whichindicates that an operation is being performed, the Intra-OP switch is,for example, put into a state as illustrated in B of FIG. 7, and is morehighlighted than in a case of the OFF state.

As illustrated in B of FIG. 7, by highlighting the Intra-OP switch morein a case of the ON state than the Intra-OP switch in a case of the OFFstate, it is, for example, possible to allow the user to recognize thatthe state is a state indicating that an operation is being performed.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, an example of the device selection screenwill be described. The context menu button (O6 illustrated in FIG. 2) isa menu button for allowing the user to perform detailed manipulation,editing of various kinds of data, or the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the context menu displayed in the casewhere the context menu button is manipulated. In the case where thecontext menu button is manipulated, as indicated in O in FIG. 8, contextmenu associated with various kinds of manipulation and editing of datais displayed.

Further, in the case where the Intra-OP switch is put into an ON statewhich indicates that an operation is being performed, for example,manipulation with respect to the context menu is restricted. Examples ofa method for restricting manipulation with respect to the context menucan include, for example, “making items to be restricted in the contextmenu grayed out so that manipulation cannot be performed”, “disablingmanipulation with respect to the context menu” (in this case, forexample, the context menu itself is not displayed), or the like.

In the case where “Sources” is selected in the device category selectiontab, the device selection screen, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2is displayed.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of the device selection screen andillustrates a case where “Monitors” is selected in the device categoryselection tab.

Also in the case where “Monitors” is selected in the device categoryselection tab, the device selection screen has a configuration similarto that in the case where “Sources” is selected illustrated in FIG. 2.

Here, the device selection screen illustrated in FIG. 9 is differentfrom the device selection screen illustrated in FIG. 2 in that “thescreen transitions to a Monitors screen in the device control screenwhich will be described later by the device selection button beingmanipulated”.

Further, while not illustrated, also in the case where “Recorders” isselected in the device category selection tab, the device selectionscreen has a configuration similar to that in the case where “Sources”is selected illustrated in FIG. 2.

Here, the device selection screen in the case where “Recorders” isselected in the device category selection tab is different from thedevice selection screen illustrated in FIG. 2 in that “the screentransitions to a Recorders screen in the device control screen whichwill be described later by the device selection button beingmanipulated”.

(II) Device Control Screen

The device control screen will be described next. The device controlscreen corresponds to an example of a screen displayed through controlprocessing associated with the control method according to the presentembodiment. In the following description, control processing performedby the medical control apparatus 100 will be also described asappropriate.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of displayin the medical control system 1000 to which the control method accordingto the present embodiment is applied and illustrates an example of aconfiguration of the device control screen displayed on the displayscreen of the display target apparatus 500.

The device control screen is configured with, for example, the followingthree panes (display regions).

-   -   Device pane (hereinafter, indicated with reference numeral P1)    -   Control pane (hereinafter, indicated with reference numeral P2)    -   Connect pane (hereinafter, indicated with reference numeral P3)

Here, positions where the three panes are to be displayed change inaccordance with, for example, types of the device control screen (forexample, a Sources screen, a Monitors screen and a Recorders screenwhich will be described later).

Each of the Sources screen, the Monitors screen and the Recorders screenwill be described below as an example of the device control screen.

(II-1) First Example of Device Control Screen: Sources Screen

FIG. 11 to FIG. 16 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example ofdisplay in the medical control system 1000 to which the control methodaccording to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 11 to FIG. 16 eachillustrates the whole of the device control screen or part of the devicecontrol screen displayed on the display screen of the display targetapparatus 500.

The first example of the device control screen will be described belowwhile referring to FIG. 11 to FIG. 16 as appropriate. Here, the firstexample of the device control screen corresponds to a “display examplein the case where the first display region, the second display regionand the third display region are displayed in one screen”.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the Sources screen in the devicecontrol screen.

In the Sources screen illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, a button (Oillustrated in FIG. 11) for making the screen transition to the deviceselection screen in which “Sources” is selected in the device categoryselection tab is provided. The user can select another device again inthe device selection screen by manipulating the above-described button(O illustrated in FIG. 11).

Further, the Sources screen illustrated in FIG. 11 includes the Devicepane P1, the Control pane P2 and the Connect pane P3 from the left sidein the display screen.

In the Device pane P1 illustrated in FIG. 11, information of the devicecorresponding to the device selection button (O3 illustrated in FIG. 2)selected in the device selection screen in which “Sources” is selectedin the device category selection tab is displayed. Here, the Device paneP1 illustrated in FIG. 11 corresponds to an example of the first displayregion according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a configuration of the Device pane P1.The Device pane P1 includes, for example, an icon (O1 illustrated inFIG. 12), device name display (O2 illustrated in FIG. 12), a thumbnailimage (O3 illustrated in FIG. 12), property display (O4 illustrated inFIG. 12) and status display (O5 illustrated in FIG. 12).

The icon (O1 illustrated in FIG. 12) is an icon indicating a type of thedevice.

The device name display (O2 illustrated in FIG. 12) indicates name ofthe device. A region of the device name display (O2 illustrated in FIG.12) is set so as to stretch over the width of the Device pane P1 sothat, for example, long device name can be displayed.

The thumbnail image (O3 illustrated in FIG. 12) indicates an imageoutput from a device which is an input source.

Here, while examples of the thumbnail image can include a still image,the thumbnail image may be a moving image. As described above, thethumbnail image according to the present embodiment can be regularly orirregularly updated. In the case where the thumbnail image is updated,it is possible to reflect an image most recently output from the inputsource in the thumbnail image.

Further, for example, in the case where a parameter of the device whichis the input source is adjusted, or the like, in the Control pane P2 ofthe device control screen, an image output from the input source afterthe parameter is adjusted is reflected in the thumbnail image.

Further, in the case where a thumbnail image cannot be acquired, displayas illustrated in B of FIG. 5 or C of FIG. 5 may be performed in theregion for the thumbnail image.

The property display (O4 illustrated in FIG. 12) indicates, for example,information acquired from the device. FIG. 12 illustrates an examplewhere model name and a manufacturer are displayed.

The status display (O5 illustrated in FIG. 12) indicates a state of thedevice, such as, for example, error display and an operation state.

Referring to FIG. 11 again, an example of the Sources screen in thedevice control screen will be described. In the Control pane P2illustrated in FIG. 11, objects for controlling the device indicated inthe Device pane P1 are displayed. Here, the Control pane P2 illustratedin FIG. 11 corresponds to an example of the third display regionaccording to the present embodiment. Further, because the Device pane P1corresponds to an example of the first display example according to thepresent embodiment, it can be said that the Control pane P2 illustratedin FIG. 11 is a display region where objects for controlling the inputsource apparatus 200 are to be displayed.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a configuration of the Control paneP2. The Control pane P2 includes, for example, a Control tab (O1illustrated in FIG. 13) and a parameter editing region (O2 illustratedin FIG. 13).

The Control tab (O1 illustrated in FIG. 13) is a tab for each categoryof control. While FIG. 11 illustrates an example where one Control tabis provided in the Control pane P2, a plurality of Control tabs may beprovided.

In the parameter editing region (O2 illustrated in FIG. 13), an objectfor manipulating the device indicated in the Device pane P1 and anobject for adjusting a parameter of the device indicated in the Devicepane P1 are displayed. In the parameter editing region (O2 illustratedin FIG. 13) illustrated in FIG. 13, an example is illustrated where abutton for performing pan operation and tilt operation, an adjustmentbutton and an adjustment slide bar for adjusting a zoom amount and anadjustment button and an adjustment slide bar for adjusting a focusamount are provided.

Note that, in the case where the whole objects cannot be displayedwithin the parameter editing region (O2 illustrated in FIG. 13), it maybe possible to scroll display the objects. Further, a current zoomamount, a current focus amount, or the like, may be displayed withnumerical values in the parameter editing region (O2 illustrated in FIG.13). Further, items to be displayed in the parameter editing region (O2illustrated in FIG. 13) can differ in accordance with a type of thedevice indicated in the Device pane P1.

Referring to FIG. 11 again, an example of the Sources screen in thedevice control screen will be described. In the Connect pane P3illustrated in FIG. 11, objects relating to the output destinationapparatus 300, at which an image output from the device indicated in theDevice pane P1 can be displayed are displayed. Here, the Connect pane P3illustrated in FIG. 11 corresponds to an example of the second displayregion according to the present embodiment. Further, because the Devicepane P1 corresponds to an example of the first display region accordingto the present embodiment, it can be said that the Connect pane P3illustrated in FIG. 11 is a display region where objects relating to theoutput destination apparatus 300 at which an image of the input sourceapparatus 200 can be displayed are to be displayed.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a configuration of the Connect paneP3. The Connect pane P3 includes, for example, display of a list ofconnection destinations (O1 illustrated in FIG. 14) and connectiondisplay (O2 illustrated in FIG. 14).

The display of a list of connection destinations (O1 illustrated in FIG.14) indicates a list of output destination apparatuses 300 at which animage output from the device indicated in the Device pane P1 can bedisplayed. Examples of the output destination apparatuses 300 displayedin the display of a list of connection destinations (O1 illustrated inFIG. 14) can include, for example, the output destination apparatus 300for which normal connection with the device indicated in the Device paneP1 is ensured upon construction (or updating) of the medical controlsystem 1000.

Further, the display of a list of connection destinations (O1illustrated in FIG. 14) includes, for example, a “thumbnail imagecorresponding to the image displayed at the output destination apparatus300”, an “icon indicating the output destination apparatus 300” and“device name display of the output destination apparatus 300”.

Here, while examples of the thumbnail image can include a still image,the thumbnail image may be a moving image. As described above, thethumbnail image according to the present embodiment can be regularly orirregularly updated. In the case where the thumbnail image is updated,it is possible to reflect an image most recently input to the outputdestination apparatus 300 in the thumbnail image. Further, for example,in the case where a parameter of the input source apparatus 200 isadjusted, or the like, in the Control pane P2 of the device controlscreen illustrated in FIG. 13, in the thumbnail image corresponding tothe output destination apparatus 300 at which an image output from theinput source apparatus 200 is displayed, an image output from the inputsource apparatus 200 after the parameter is adjusted is reflected.

Further, in the case where the thumbnail image cannot be acquired,display as illustrated in B of FIG. 5 or C of FIG. 5 may be performed inthe region for the thumbnail image.

The medical control apparatus 100 can display a thumbnail image of theimage displayed on the display screen of the output destination in theConnect pane P3 corresponding to the second display region, for example,as the display of a list of connection destinations (O1 illustrated inFIG. 14) illustrated in FIG. 14.

The connection display (O2 illustrated in FIG. 14) indicates the outputdestination apparatus 300 selected through user manipulation withrespect to the Connect pane P3.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example where the selected output destinationapparatus 300 is indicated with an arrow. Note that a method forspecifying the selected output destination apparatus 300 is not limitedto the example illustrated in FIG. 14. Further, in the case where aplurality of output destination apparatuses 300 are selected throughuser manipulation with respect to the Connect pane P3, a plurality oftypes of connection display are displayed in the Connect pane P3.

Here, example of the user manipulation with respect to the Connect paneP3 can include, for example, the following examples. Note that, it goeswithout saying that the examples of the user manipulation with respectto the Connect pane P3 are not limited to the following examples.

-   -   Manipulation of touching the Connect pane P3 (in the case where        a display device of the display target apparatus 500 is a touch        panel)    -   Manipulation using a manipulation device such as a physical        button, provided at the display target apparatus 500 or an        external manipulation device such as a remote controller

The medical control apparatus 100 causes the output destinationapparatus 300 at which the image of the input source apparatus 200 is tobe displayed, selected through manipulation with respect to the seconddisplay region on the basis of manipulation with respect to the Connectpane P3 corresponding to the second display region, to be specified, forexample, as the connection display (O2 illustrated in FIG. 14)illustrated in FIG. 14.

Note that the Sources screen in the device control screen is not limitedto the example illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an image to be output from the deviceindicated in the Device pane P1.

There can be a case where an image to be output from the deviceindicated in the Device pane P1 includes, for example, an image withhigher resolution than that of an image with 2K resolution or an imagewith high definition (HD) resolution, such as an image with 4Kresolution and an image with 8K resolution.

Here, in the case where the image to be output from the device indicatedin the Device pane P1 is an image with high resolution as describedabove, it is assumed that “a user such as a healthcare professionaldesires to display an image corresponding to part of the imageillustrated in A of FIG. 15, for example, as illustrated in B of FIG. 15and C of FIG. 15 at a different output destination apparatus 300”.

Therefore, the Sources screen in the device control screen may be ascreen which enables an image corresponding to part of the image to bedisplayed at a different output destination apparatus 300 on the basisof the user manipulation. By causing an image corresponding to part ofthe image to be displayed at a different output destination apparatus300, for example, it is possible to “cause an image obtained by changingan angle of view of the image of one input source apparatus 200 to bedisplayed at a different output destination apparatus 300”.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of the Sources screen in the devicecontrol screen.

While the configuration of the Sources screen illustrated in FIG. 16 isbasically similar to the configuration of the Sources screen illustratedin FIG. 11, there is a difference in that “the output destinationapparatus 300 at which an image corresponding to part of the imageoutput from the device indicated in the Device pane P1 is to bedisplayed is specified”.

For example, in the case where part of the thumbnail image is selectedas illustrated in O1 and O2 in FIG. 16 through user manipulation withrespect to the Device pane P1 and the output destination apparatus 300is selected through user manipulation with respect to the Connect paneP3, as illustrated in O3 and O4 in FIG. 16, the output destinationapparatus 300 at which an image of the selected part of the thumbnailimage is to be displayed is further specified.

Here, examples of the user manipulation with respect to the Device paneP1 can include, for example, the following examples. Note that, it goeswithout saying that the examples of the user manipulation with respectto the Device pane P1 are not limited to the following examples.

-   -   Manipulation which can select a region on a display screen, such        as pinch manipulation with respect to a thumbnail image of the        Device pane P1 (in the case where the display device of the        display target apparatus 500 is a touch panel)    -   Manipulation using a manipulation device such as a physical        button, provided at the display target apparatus 500 or an        external manipulation device such as a remote controller

The medical control apparatus 100 may further cause the “outputdestination apparatus 300 at which an image corresponding to part of theimage of the input source apparatus 200 selected through manipulationwith respect to the Device pane P1 is to be displayed, and which isselected through manipulation with respect to the Connect pane P3, to bespecified” on the basis of manipulation with respect to the Device paneP1 corresponding to the first display region and manipulation withrespect to the Connect pane P3 corresponding to the second displayregion, for example, as O1 to O4 illustrated in FIG. 16.

(II-2) Second Example of Device Control Screen: Monitors Screen

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an exampleof display in the medical control system 1000 to which the controlmethod according to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 17 and FIG.18 each illustrates the whole of the device control screen or part ofthe device control screen displayed on the display screen of the displaytarget apparatus 500.

A second example of the device control screen will be described belowwhile referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 as appropriate. Here, the secondexample of the device control screen corresponds to a “display examplein the case where the first display region and the third display regionare displayed in one screen”.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the Monitors screen in the devicecontrol screen.

The Monitors screen illustrated in FIG. 17 includes the Connect pane P3,the Device pane P1 and the Control pane P2 from the left side of thedisplay screen.

In the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG. 17, objects relating to theinput source apparatus 200, which can be displayed at the outputdestination apparatus 300 selected in the device selection screen inwhich “Monitors” is selected in the device category selection tab, aredisplayed. Here, the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG. 17 correspondsto an example of the first display region according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example where a list of objects respectivelyrelating to the input source apparatuses 200 is displayed in the Connectpane P3. Examples of the objects relating to the input sourceapparatuses 200 can include, for example, a thumbnail image, an icon anddevice name display as with the case of the display of a list ofconnection destinations (O1 illustrated in FIG. 14) illustrated in FIG.14.

Further, examples of the input source apparatus 200 displayed in theConnect pane P3 can include, for example, the input source apparatus 200for which normal connection with the device indicated in the Device paneP1 is ensured upon construction (or updating) of the medical controlsystem 1000.

In the Device pane P1 illustrated in FIG. 17, information of the devicecorresponding to the device selection button selected in the deviceselection screen in which “Monitors” is selected in the device categoryselection tab is displayed. Here, the configuration of the Device paneP1 illustrated in FIG. 17 is similar to the configuration of the Devicepane P1, for example, illustrated in FIG. 12.

In the Control pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 17, objects for controllingthe device indicated in the Device pane P1 are displayed. Here, theControl pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 17 corresponds to an example of thethird display region according to the present embodiment. Further, thedevice indicated in the Device pane P1 is the output destinationapparatus 300 selected in the device selection screen in which“Monitors” is selected in the device category selection tab. Therefore,it can be said that the Control pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 17 is adisplay region where objects for controlling the output destinationapparatus 300 are to be displayed.

Examples of the objects for controlling the device indicated in theDevice pane P1, displayed in the Control pane P2 of the Monitors screenin the device control screen can include the following examples.

-   -   Button indicated as “Swap” in FIG. 17: a button for switching        between a main display region and a sub display region in the        case where the device indicated in the Device pane P1 has a PinP        function (function of allowing a plurality of display regions in        which images can be independently displayed to be provided in        one screen)    -   Button indicated as “Flip” in FIG. 17: a button for controlling        a direction of display in the device indicated in the Device        pane P1    -   Adjustment button indicated as “Contrast” in FIG. 17: a button        for adjusting contrast in the device indicated in the Device        pane P1    -   Adjustment button indicated as “Color” in FIG. 17: a button for        adjusting luminance, color phase or balance of RGB in the device        indicated in the Device pane P1    -   Button indicated as “2D/3D Mode” in FIG. 17: a button for        controlling switching of a display mode associated with        stereoscopic view in the device indicated in the Device pane P1

Note that the objects for controlling the device indicated in the Devicepane P1, displayed in the Control pane P2 of the Monitors screen in thedevice control screen are not limited to the above-described examples.

For example, in the case where the device indicated in the Device paneP1 has a PinP function, in the Control pane P2 of the Monitors screen inthe device control screen, an object for changing a configuration of thedisplay region in the PinP function may be further displayed. Note thatthe object for changing the configuration of the display region in thePinP function can be also displayed in other panes such as the Devicepane P1. In the case where the object for changing the configuration ofthe display region in the PinP function is displayed in a pane otherthan the Control pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 17, the pane in which theobject for changing the configuration of the display region in the PinPfunction is displayed plays a role as the third display region accordingto the present embodiment.

Examples of the configuration of the display region in the PinP functioncan include, for example, examples illustrated in A of FIG. 18 to D ofFIG. 18. In A of FIG. 18 to D of FIG. 18, the display regions indicatedwith “a”, “b”, “c” and “d” correspond to the display regions in the PinPfunction.

In the case where the device indicated in the Device pane P1corresponding to the output destination apparatus 300 has a PinPfunction, the medical control apparatus 100 may cause an “object forcontrolling display in one or more of display regions associated withPinP in the output destination apparatus 300 to be displayed in theControl pane P2 corresponding to the third display region”, for example,as the button indicated as “Swap” in FIG. 17.

Further, an object for controlling the device indicated in the Devicepane P1, displayed in the Control pane P2 of the Monitors screen in thedevice control screen can differ in accordance with a type of the deviceindicated in the Device pane P1.

For example, in the case where the device indicated in the Device paneP1 does not have a PinP function, the button indicated as “Flip” in FIG.17 does not have to be displayed.

(II-3) Third Example of Device Control Screen: Recorders Screen

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are explanatory diagrams for explaining an exampleof display in the medical control system 1000 to which the controlmethod according to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 19A and FIG.19B each illustrates the whole of the device control screen displayed onthe display screen of the display target apparatus 500. The screen isswitched between the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19A andthe device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19B through usermanipulation.

A third example of the device control screen will be described belowwhile referring to FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B as appropriate. Here, the thirdexample of the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19A correspondsto the “display example in the case where the first display region andthe third display region are displayed in one screen”. Further, thethird example of the display control screen illustrated in FIG. 19Bcorresponds to the “display example in the case where the second displayregion and the third display region are displayed in one screen”.

FIG. 19A illustrates an example of the Recorders screen in the devicecontrol screen.

The Recorders screen illustrated in FIG.19A includes the Connect paneP3, the Device pane P1 and the Control pane P2 from the left side of thedisplay screen in a similar manner to the Monitors screen illustrated inFIG. 17.

In the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG. 19A, objects relating to theinput source apparatus 200 which can output an image signal to theapparatus 400 selected in the device selection screen in which“Recorders” is selected in the device category selection tab aredisplayed. Here, the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG. 19A correspondsto an example of the first display region according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 19A illustrates an example where a list of objects each relating tothe input source apparatus 200 is displayed in the Connect pane P3 aswith the case of FIG. 17. Further, examples of the input sourceapparatus 200 displayed in the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG. 19Acan include, for example, the input source apparatus 200 for whichnormal connection with the device indicated in the Device pane P1 isensured upon construction (or updating) of the medical control system1000.

In the Device pane P1 illustrated in FIG. 19A, information of the devicecorresponding to the device selection button selected in the deviceselection screen in which “Recorders” is selected in the device categoryselection tab is displayed. Here, the configuration of the Device paneP1 illustrated in FIG. 19A is similar to the configuration of the Devicepane P1, for example, illustrated in FIG. 12.

In the Control pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 19A, objects for controllingthe device indicated in the Device pane P1 are displayed. Here, theControl pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 19A corresponds to an example of thethird display region according to the present embodiment. Further, thedevice indicated in the Device pane P1 is the apparatus 400 selected inthe device selection screen in which “Recorders” is selected in thedevice category selection tab. Therefore, it can be said that theControl pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 19A is a display region where theobjects for controlling the apparatus 400 are to be displayed.

Examples of the objects for controlling the device indicated in theDevice pane P1, which are displayed in the Control pane P2 of theRecorders screen in the device control screen can include the followingexamples. Note that, it goes without saying that the examples of theobjects for controlling the device indicated in the Device pane P1,which are displayed in the Control pane P2 of the Recorders screen inthe device control screen are not limited to the following examples.

-   -   Recording button for starting recording of image data in a        recording medium (O1 illustrated in FIG. 19A)    -   Stop button for stopping processing being performed (O2        illustrated in FIG. 19A)    -   Pause button for pausing processing being performed (O3        illustrated in FIG. 19A)    -   Reproduction button for starting reproduction of image data        stored in a recording medium (O4 illustrated in FIG. 19A)    -   Rewind button for rewinding an image being reproduced (O5        illustrated in FIG. 19A)    -   Fast-forward button for fast-forwarding an image being        reproduced (O6 illustrated in FIG. 19A)

According to the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19A, it is,for example, possible to control recording of image data in the deviceindicated in the Device pane P1 from the input source apparatus 200selected through user manipulation with respect to the Connect pane P3.

FIG. 19B illustrates another example of the Recorders screen in thedevice control screen.

The Recorders screen illustrated in FIG. 19B includes the Device paneP1, the Control pane P2 and the Connect pane P4 from the left side ofthe display screen.

The Device pane P1 illustrated in FIG. 19B and the Control pane P2illustrated in FIG. 19B are respectively the same as the Device pane P1illustrated in FIG. 19A and the Control pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 19A.Here, the Control pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 19B corresponds to anexample of the third display region according to the present embodiment.Further, the device indicated in the Device pane P1 is the apparatus 400selected in the device selection screen in which “Recorders” is selectedin the device category selection tab. Therefore, it can be said that theControl pane P2 illustrated in FIG. 19B is a display region where theobjects for controlling the apparatus 400 are to be displayed.

In the Connect pane P4 illustrated in FIG. 19B, objects relating to theoutput destination apparatus 300 at which an image output from thedevice indicated in the Device pane P1 can be displayed are displayed aswith the case of the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14.Here, the Connect pane P4 illustrated in FIG. 19B corresponds to anexample of the second display region according to the presentembodiment.

As described above, the Connect pane P4 illustrated in FIG. 19Bcorresponds to the second display region according to the presentembodiment as with the case of the Connect pane P3 illustrated in FIG.11 and FIG. 14. Therefore, the medical control apparatus 100 can cause athumbnail image of the image displayed on the display screen of theoutput destination to be displayed in the Connect pane P4 correspondingto the second display region as with the case of the Connected pane P3illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14.

According to the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19B, it is,for example, possible to cause the image reproduced in the deviceindicated in the Device pane P1 to be displayed at the outputdestination apparatus 300 selected through user manipulation withrespect to the Connect pane P4.

Here, among the apparatuses 400 selected in the device selection screenin which “Recorders” is selected in the device category selection tab,there can exist an apparatus having both an image recording function andan image reproducing function, that is, an apparatus which functions asthe output destination and the input source.

In order to control the apparatus 400 which functions as the outputdestination and the input source as described above, one of the devicecontrol screen illustrated in FIG. 19A and the device control screenillustrated in FIG. 19B is insufficient.

Here, for example, if the Connect pane P4 illustrated in FIG. 19B isfurther displayed on the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19A,it is possible to sufficiently control the apparatus 400 which functionsas the output destination and the input source as described above.However, in the case where a size or resolution of the display screen isnot large enough, such as in the case where the display target apparatus500 is a tablet type apparatus, there is a possibility that visibilitydegrades by the Connect pane P4 illustrated in FIG. 19B being furtherdisplayed in the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19A.

Therefore, the medical control apparatus 100 causes the screen to beswitched between, for example, the device control screen illustrated inFIG. 19A and the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19B anddisplayed on the basis of user manipulation.

Here, examples of the user manipulation for switching display of thedevice control screen can include, for example, the following examples.Note that, it goes without saying that the examples of the usermanipulation for switching the display of the device control screen arenot limited to the following examples.

-   -   Manipulation which can switch the display of the display screen,        such as manipulation of swiping the display screen (in the case        where the display device of the display target apparatus 500 is        a touch panel)    -   Manipulation using a manipulation device such as a physical        button provided at the display target apparatus 500 or an        external manipulation device such as a remote controller

By the medical control apparatus 100 causing the screen to be switchedbetween the device control screen illustrated in FIG. 19A and the devicecontrol screen illustrated in FIG. 19B and displayed, it becomespossible to prevent degradation of visibility and sufficiently controlthe apparatus 400 which functions as the output destination and theinput source as described above.

[3] Example of Effects Provided by Control Method According to PresentEmbodiment Being Used

By the medical control apparatus 100 performing the control processingassociated with the control method according to the present embodiment,for example, the following effects are provided. Note that, it goeswithout saying that the effects provided by the control method accordingto the present embodiment being used are not limited to the followingeffects.

-   -   For example, by the device control screens illustrated in FIG.        11, FIG. 17, FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B being used, because switching        of an image and control of equipment can be performed in one        screen, the user can efficiently work.    -   For example, as illustrated in the Connect pane P3 in FIG. 11,        the Connect pane P3 in FIG. 17, the Connect pane P3 in FIG. 19A        and the Connect pane P4 in FIG. 19B, because only equipment for        which an image can be switched is displayed in the device        control screen, it is possible to prevent erroneous manipulation        by the user.    -   Also at equipment at which a signal source and an output        destination change in accordance with processing to be performed        (processing corresponding to purpose of use of a recorder) as        the recorder (an example of the apparatus 400), for example, as        described with reference to FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, the user can        perform common manipulation by switching a mode through user        manipulation such as swipe manipulation.    -   For example, as described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16,        a plurality of images obtained by changing an angle of view of        one image can be output to respectively different monitors (an        example of the output destination).

Medical Control Apparatus according to Present Embodiment

An example of a configuration of the medical control apparatus accordingto the present embodiment which can perform the above-describedprocessing associated with the control method according to the presentembodiment will be described next.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof the medical control apparatus 100 according to the presentembodiment. The medical control apparatus 100 includes, for example, acommunication unit 102 and a control unit 104.

Further, the medical control apparatus 100 may include, for example, aread only memory (ROM, not illustrated), a random access memory (RAM,not illustrated), a storage unit (not illustrated), an operation unit(not illustrated) which can be manipulated by the user, a display unit(not illustrated) which displays various screens on the display screen,or the like. The medical control apparatus 100, for example, connectsthe above-described components with a bus which is a data transmissionpath.

The ROM (not illustrated) stores control data such as a program and anoperation parameter to be used by the control unit 104. The RAM (notillustrated) temporarily stores a program to be executed by the controlunit 104.

The storage unit (not illustrated) stores, for example, various kinds ofdata such as data associated with the control method according to thepresent embodiment and application. Here, examples of the storage unit(not illustrated) can include, for example, a recording medium such as anon-volatile memory. Further, the storage unit (not illustrated) may be,for example, detachable from the medical control apparatus 100.

Examples of the operation unit (not illustrated) can include, forexample, an operation input device which will be described later.Further, examples of the display unit (not illustrated) can include adisplay device which will be described later.

Hardware Configuration Example of Medical Control Apparatus 100

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of the medical control apparatus 100 according to thepresent embodiment. The medical control apparatus 100 includes, forexample, an MPU 150, a ROM 152, a RAM 154, a recording medium 156, aninput/output interface 158, an operation input device 160, a displaydevice 162 and a communication interface 164. Further, the medicalcontrol apparatus 100, for example, connects respective components witha bus 166 which is a data transmission path.

The MPU 150 is configured with, for example, one or more processorsconfigured with an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU, various kinds ofprocessing circuits, or the like, and functions as a control unit (notillustrated) which controls the whole medical control apparatus 100.Further, the MPU 150 plays a role of, for example, a processing unit 110in the medical control apparatus 100. Note that the processing unit 110may be configured with a dedicated (or general-purpose) circuit (suchas, for example, a processor separate from the MPU 150) which canimplement processing at the processing unit 110.

The ROM 152 stores control data such as a program and an operationparameter to be used by the MPU 150. The RAM 154 temporarily stores aprogram, or the like, to be executed by the MPU 150.

The recording medium 156, which functions as a storage unit (notillustrated), for example, stores data associated with the controlmethod according to the present embodiment and various kinds of datasuch as various kinds of application. Here, examples of the recordingmedium 156 can include, for example, a magnetic recording medium such asa hard disk, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. Further,the recording medium 156 may be detachable from the medical controlapparatus 100.

The input/output interface 158, for example, connects the operationinput device 160 and the display device 162. The operation input device160 functions as an operation unit (not illustrated), and the displaydevice 162 functions as a display unit (not illustrated). Here, examplesof the input/output interface 158 can include, for example, a universalserial bus (USB) terminal, a digital visual interface (DVI) terminal, ahigh-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) (registered trademark)terminal, various kinds of processing circuits, or the like.

Further, the operation input device 160 is, for example, provided on themedical control apparatus 100 and is connected to the input/outputinterface 158 inside the medical control apparatus 100. Examples of theoperation input device 160 can include, for example, a button, adirection key, a rotary selector such as a jog dial, combinationthereof, or the like.

Further, the display device 162 is, for example, provided on the medicalcontrol apparatus 100 and is connected to the input/output interface 158inside the medical control apparatus 100. Examples of the display device162 can include, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organicelectro-luminescence (EL) display, an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display, or the like.

Note that, it goes without saying that the input/output interface 158can be connected to an external device such as an external operationinput device (such as, for example, a keyboard and a mouse) and anexternal display device of the medical control apparatus 100. Further,the display device 162 may be a device such as, for example, a touchpanel, which can perform display and allows user manipulation.

The communication interface 164 is communication means provided at themedical control apparatus 100. The communication interface 164, forexample, functions as a communication unit (not illustrated) forperforming communication in a wireless or wired manner with each of oneor more external apparatuses constituting the medical control system1000, such as the input source apparatus 200, the output destinationapparatus 300, the apparatus 400, the display target apparatus 500 andother apparatuses 600A and 600B via a network (or directly). Further,the communication interface 164 may, for example, play a role ofperforming communication in a wireless or wired manner with an externalapparatus other than apparatuses constituting the medical control system1000, such as a server.

Here, examples of the communication interface 164 can include, forexample, a communication antenna and a radio frequency (RF) circuit(wireless communication), an IEEE802.15.1 port and atransmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE802.11port and a transmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), alocal area network (LAN) terminal and a transmission/reception circuit(wired communication), or the like.

The medical control apparatus 100 performs processing associated withthe control method according to the present embodiment, for example,with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 21. Note that the hardwareconfiguration of the medical control apparatus according to the presentembodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 21.

For example, in the case where the medical control apparatus 100performs communication with external apparatuses, or the like, via aconnected external communication device, the communication interface 164does not have to be provided. Further, the communication interface 164may be configured to enable communication with one or more externalapparatuses using a plurality of communication schemes.

Further, the medical control apparatus 100 can, for example, employ aconfiguration which does not include one or more of the recording medium156, the operation input device 160 and the display device 162.

Further, for example, part or the whole of the configuration illustratedin FIG. 21 (or the configuration according to the modified examples) maybe implemented with one or more integrated circuits (ICs).

Referring to FIG. 20 again, an example of the configuration of themedical control apparatus 100 will be described. The communication unit102, which is communication means provided at the medical controlapparatus 100, performs communication in a wireless or wired manner witheach of one or more external apparatuses constituting the medicalcontrol system 1000, such as, for example, the input source apparatus200, the output destination apparatus 300, the apparatus 400, thedisplay target apparatus 500 and other apparatuses 600A and 600B.Further, the communication unit 102 can also perform communication in awireless or wired manner with, for example, an external apparatus otherthan the apparatuses constituting the medical control system 1000, suchas a server.

Here, while examples of the communication unit 102 can include, forexample, a communication antenna and an RF circuit, a LAN terminal and atransmission/reception circuit, or the like, the configuration of thecommunication unit 102 is not limited to the above describedconfiguration. For example, the communication unit 102 can employ aconfiguration supporting arbitrary standards which enable communication,such as a USB terminal and a transmission/reception circuit, or anarbitrary configuration which enables communication with externalapparatuses via a network. Further, the communication unit 102 may beconfigured to enable communication with one or more external apparatusesusing a plurality of communication schemes.

The control unit 104, which is configured with, for example, one or moreprocessors configured with an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU, variouskinds of processing circuits, or the like, controls the whole of themedical control apparatus 100. Further, the control unit 104 includes,for example, a processing unit 110 and plays a role of leading theprocessing associated with the control method according to the presentembodiment.

The processing unit 110 plays a role of leading the control processingaccording to the present embodiment. The processing unit 110 causes oneor both of the first display region in which objects relating to theinput sources are to be displayed and the second display region in whichobjects relating to the output destination are to be displayed and thethird display region in which objects for controlling the input sourceor the output destination are to be displayed, to be displayed in onescreen.

As a specific example, the processing unit 110, for example, causes theabove-described device control screens as illustrated in FIG. 11, FIG.17, FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B to be displayed on the display screen of thedisplay target apparatus 500.

Further, the processing unit 110 can also cause other screens such asthe device selection screens, or the like, described with reference to,for example, FIG. 2 to FIG. 9 to be displayed on the display screen ofthe display target apparatus 500.

Further, the processing unit 110 may, for example, perform processing inresponse to user manipulation performed with respect to the screen suchas the device control screen, displayed at the display target apparatus500 through the control processing according to the present embodiment,or the screen such as the device selection screen, displayed at thedisplay target apparatus 500. Examples of the above-described processingin response to the user manipulation can include, for example,“processing of causing the screen to transition to the device controlscreen corresponding to manipulation in response to the manipulationwith respect to the device selection screen”, “processing of connectingthe input source apparatus 200 and the output destination apparatus 300(or the apparatus 400) by controlling various kinds of switchesillustrated in FIG. 1 in response to the manipulation with respect tothe device control screen”, or the like.

By the control unit 104 including, for example, the processing unit 110,the control unit 104 leads the processing associated with the controlmethod according to the present embodiment.

The medical control apparatus 100 performs the processing (for example,the above-described control processing) according to the control methodaccording to the present embodiment with the configuration illustratedin, for example, FIG. 20.

Therefore, the medical control apparatus 100 can improve operability ofthe user with the configuration illustrated in, for example, FIG. 20.

Further, the medical control apparatus 100 can provide effects providedby the processing associated with the control method according to thepresent embodiment being performed, with the configuration illustratedin, for example, FIG. 20.

Further, the medical control system 1000 which can improve operabilityof the user is realized by the medical control apparatus 100 having theconfiguration illustrated in, for example, FIG. 20.

Note that the configuration of the medical control apparatus accordingto the present embodiment is not limited to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 20.

For example, the medical control apparatus according to the presentembodiment can include the processing unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 20separately from the control unit 104 (for example, can implement theprocessing unit 110 with another processing circuit).

Further, as described above, the above-described control processing isprocessing divided from the processing associated with the controlmethod according to the present embodiment for convenience sake.Therefore, the configuration for implementing the processing associatedwith the control method according to the present embodiment is notlimited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20 and can be aconfiguration in accordance with a way of dividing the processingassociated with the control method according to the present embodiment.

Further, in the case where communication is performed with an externalapparatus via an external communication device having functions and aconfiguration similar to those of the communication unit 102, themedical control apparatus according to the present embodiment does nothave to include the communication unit 102.

While the medical control apparatus has been described above as thepresent embodiment, the present embodiment is not limited to such anembodiment. The present embodiment can be applied to various kinds ofequipment such as, for example, a computer such as a PC, a server and anOR Controller, a tablet type apparatus and a communication apparatussuch as a smartphone, which can perform the processing associated withthe control method according to the present embodiment. Further, thepresent embodiment can be applied to, for example, a processing IC whichcan be incorporated into the equipment as described above.

Program According to Present Embodiment

By a program for causing a computer to function as the medical controlapparatus according to the present embodiment (a program which canexecute the processing associated with the control method according tothe present embodiment such as, for example, the above-described controlprocessing) being executed by a processor, or the like, at the computer,it is possible to improve operability of the user.

Further, by a program for causing a computer to function as the medicalcontrol apparatus according to the present embodiment being executed bya processor, or the like, at the computer, it is possible to provideeffects provided through the above-described processing associated withthe control method according to the present embodiment.

The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been describedabove with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the presentdisclosure is not limited to the above examples. A person skilled in theart may find various alterations and modifications within the scope ofthe appended claims, and it should be understood that they willnaturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, while the configuration where the program (computerprogram) for causing the computer to function as the medical controlapparatus according to the present embodiment is provided has beendescribed above, the present embodiment can also further provide arecording medium in which the above-described program is stored.

The above-described configuration is one example of the presentembodiment and naturally falls within the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

Further, the effects described in this specification are merelyillustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is,with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according tothe present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to thoseskilled in the art from the description of this specification.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1)

A medical control apparatus including:

a processing unit configured to cause one or both of a first displayregion in which an object relating to an input source of an image is tobe displayed and a second display region in which an object relating toan output destination of an image is to be displayed and a third displayregion in which an object for controlling the input source or the outputdestination is to be displayed, to be displayed in one screen.

(2)

The medical control apparatus according to (1),

in which, in a case where both the first display region and the seconddisplay region, and the third display region are displayed in onescreen,

the processing unit

-   -   causes an object relating to the output destination at which an        image of the input source is able to be displayed, to be        displayed in the second display region, and    -   causes an object for controlling the input source to be        displayed in the third display region.        (3)

The medical control apparatus according to (2),

in which the processing unit causes the output destination at which theimage of the input source is to be displayed to be specified on a basisof manipulation with respect to the second display region, the outputdestination being selected through manipulation with respect to thesecond display region.

(4)

The medical control apparatus according to (3),

in which the processing unit causes the output destination at which animage corresponding to part of the image of the input source selectedthrough manipulation with respect to the first display region to befurther specified on a basis of manipulation with respect to the firstdisplay region and manipulation with respect to the second displayregion, the output destination being selected through manipulation withrespect to the second display region.

(5)

The medical control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),

in which, in a case where the first display region and the third displayregion are caused to be displayed in one screen,

the processing unit causes

-   -   an object relating to the input source which is able to cause an        image to be displayed at the output destination or an object        relating to the input source which is able to cause an image to        be recorded in the output destination, to be displayed in the        first display region, and    -   causes an object for controlling the output destination to be        displayed in the third display region.        (6)

The medical control apparatus according to (5),

in which, in a case where the output destination has a function of beingcapable of providing a plurality of display regions in which images areable to be displayed independently, in one screen,

the processing unit causes an object for controlling display in one ormore display regions among the display regions at the output destinationto be displayed in the third display region.

(7)

The medical control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),

in which, in a case where the second display region and the thirddisplay region are displayed in one screen,

the processing unit causes

-   -   an object relating to an output destination at which an image of        the input destination is able to be displayed, to be displayed        in the second display region, and    -   causes an object for controlling the input source to be        displayed in the third display region.        (8)

The medical control apparatus according to any one of (2) to (4) and(6),

in which the processing unit causes a thumbnail image of an imagedisplayed on a display screen of the output destination to be displayedin the second display region.

(9)

The medical control apparatus according to (8),

in which the thumbnail image is a moving image.

(10)

A control method to be executed by a medical control apparatus, themethod including:

a step of causing one or both of a first display region in which anobject relating to an input source of an image is to be displayed and asecond display region in which an object relating to an outputdestination of an image is to be displayed, and a third display regionin which an object for controlling the input source or the outputdestination is to be displayed, to be displayed in one screen.

(11)

A program for causing a computer to implement a function of causing oneor both of a first display region in which an object relating to aninput source of an image is to be displayed and a second display regionin which an object relating to an output destination of an image is tobe displayed, and a third display region in which an object forcontrolling the input source or the output destination is to bedisplayed, to be displayed in one screen.

(12)

A medical control system including:

an apparatus which serves as an input source of an image;

an apparatus which serves as an output destination of an image; and

a medical control apparatus,

in which the medical control apparatus includes a processing unitconfigured to cause one or both of a first display region in which anobject relating to the input source is to be displayed and a seconddisplay region in which an object relating to the output destination isto be displayed, and a third display region in which an object forcontrolling the input source or the output destination is to bedisplayed, to be displayed in one screen.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 medical control apparatus-   102 communication unit-   104 control unit-   110 processing unit-   200 input source apparatus-   300 output destination apparatus-   400 apparatus-   500 display target apparatus-   600 other apparatus-   1000 medical control system

1. A medical control apparatus comprising: a processing unit configuredto cause one or both of a first display region in which an objectrelating to an input source of an image is to be displayed and a seconddisplay region in which an object relating to an output destination ofan image is to be displayed and a third display region in which anobject for controlling the input source or the output destination is tobe displayed, to be displayed in one screen.
 2. The medical controlapparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where both the firstdisplay region and the second display region, and the third displayregion are displayed in one screen, the processing unit causes an objectrelating to the output destination at which an image of the input sourceis able to be displayed, to be displayed in the second display region,and causes an object for controlling the input source to be displayed inthe third display region.
 3. The medical control apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the processing unit causes the output destination atwhich the image of the input source is to be displayed to be specifiedon a basis of manipulation with respect to the second display region,the output destination being selected through manipulation with respectto the second display region.
 4. The medical control apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein the processing unit causes the output destination atwhich an image corresponding to part of the image of the input sourceselected through manipulation with respect to the first display regionto be further specified on a basis of manipulation with respect to thefirst display region and manipulation with respect to the second displayregion, the output destination being selected through manipulation withrespect to the second display region.
 5. The medical control apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein, in a case where the first display regionand the third display region are caused to be displayed in one screen,the processing unit causes an object relating to the input source whichis able to cause an image to be displayed at the output destination oran object relating to the input source which is able to cause an imageto be recorded in the output destination, to be displayed in the firstdisplay region, and causes an object for controlling the outputdestination to be displayed in the third display region.
 6. The medicalcontrol apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, in a case where theoutput destination has a function of being capable of providing aplurality of display regions in which images are able to be displayedindependently, in one screen, the processing unit causes an object forcontrolling display in one or more display regions among the displayregions at the output destination to be displayed in the third displayregion.
 7. The medical control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,in a case where the second display region and the third display regionare displayed in one screen, the processing unit causes an objectrelating to an output destination at which an image of the inputdestination is able to be displayed, to be displayed in the seconddisplay region, and causes an object for controlling the input source tobe displayed in the third display region.
 8. The medical controlapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit causes athumbnail image of an image displayed on a display screen of the outputdestination to be displayed in the second display region.
 9. The medicalcontrol apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the thumbnail image is amoving image.
 10. A control method to be executed by a medical controlapparatus, the method comprising: a step of causing one or both of afirst display region in which an object relating to an input source ofan image is to be displayed and a second display region in which anobject relating to an output destination of an image is to be displayed,and a third display region in which an object for controlling the inputsource or the output destination is to be displayed, to be displayed inone screen.
 11. A program for causing a computer to implement a functionof causing one or both of a first display region in which an objectrelating to an input source of an image is to be displayed and a seconddisplay region in which an object relating to an output destination ofan image is to be displayed, and a third display region in which anobject for controlling the input source or the output destination is tobe displayed, to be displayed in one screen.
 12. A medical controlsystem comprising: an apparatus which serves as an input source of animage; an apparatus which serves as an output destination of an image;and a medical control apparatus, wherein the medical control apparatusincludes a processing unit configured to cause one or both of a firstdisplay region in which an object relating to the input source is to bedisplayed and a second display region in which an object relating to theoutput destination is to be displayed, and a third display region inwhich an object for controlling the input source or the outputdestination is to be displayed, to be displayed in one screen.